Thursday, April 30, 2009

SINDERELLA STUDIO DESIGNS ... is my artist outlet! My name is Dana Strickland and I work mainly in watercolors. I am self-taught through trial and error! AND several great workshops. I have taken watercolor classes with Edee Joppich out of the Livonia Arts Council some 20 years ago now. Most recently I spent a week in Key West painting "en plein air" with Sandford Birdsey. What a fantastic experience. These two women have opened a whole new world to me and continue to be a source of inspiration.

As I said, I had taken some workshops 20 years ago but really hadn't painted for the last 15 years. I recently made a career change that has allowed me more time to devote to my family, friends, and one of my passions - PAINT! I am thankful for all those that continue to encourage and support this decsiion; number one, my husband, Mark. My mother is my biggest advocate, she has many of my paintings in her home! Sandy, who bought me my first set of paints - I was thirty something - it is never to late to start! And my friends Nancy, Joy and Jackie - who believe in me without conditions.

I hope you enjoy my work!Thanks for visiting! danaTitles of the work I will be showing:Rememberance - Magical Mystery Tour - A Perching Space - Island House and Everyone is Welcome

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Okay - well I found the Divine K-9 Spa ! A super cute place on the edge of the main trek in Williamston. It is at 502 E Grand River - next to the Citgo gas station on the south side of the street. It is about a 5 block walk back into the main four corners and is the start of the art walk. I am sure most will drive. I am hoping for great weather. I had my second piece framed yesterday and am pleased with it. Now I am starting my third piece for the show and hope to get it done in time. I will have a guest book to sign and a short bio - my mom is ready for Saturday as my stand in! This should be fun, I am starting to get excited! Hope to see you there! Starts Friday 4pm - 8 pm through Saturday 10am - 2 pm. I will be there Friday, have to work Saturday but Helen will be keeping it jumping, I'm sure.dana

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Okay I received my location for the Williamston Art Walk. I didn't really have a clue as to what was going to go on or how this worked when I signed up. The event is sponsored by the Williamston Chamber so obviously it would have to somehow promote Williamston business's. Having lived in Williamston for 6 years that works for me. So the walk (which really has to be a drive for parts of it ) starts at the Divine Canine. That is where I will be! It is more toward Webberville on Grand River and is a new business for Williamston. They get me, a newbie artist. I now feel compelled to try and do 4 or 5 pieces. Not sure I can produce what I would want people to look at that quickly - let alone pay to frame them. We'll see. I am off tomorrow so taking a ride by to see where I will be and go in so that I can introduce myself. I need to figure out how I will display and probably freak out about needing to have really good work. After the Divine Canine the "walk" moves in toward town. I don't have a listing yet of all the participants but plan to get the local paper this weekend. All sales give a 20% donation to the Chamber of Commerce for Williamston. It is a great way to build community spirit and showcase the cute town. The event is going to have a 50/50 raffle and all kinds of drawings and prizes. I hope that the weather is cooperative so lots of people come out for the trek.I will keep you posted - and will be busy for the next 2 weeks figuring out my work!!!dana

Monday, April 6, 2009

What great fun! And, they were surprised!!! Everyone showed up with pics from the past. Great memories. Life is so fast we all forget special times. It is good to be reminded. My Uncle Ron and Aunt Myrna showed up with pics of my mom at 6 yrs old, what a treasure. It was so nice to see everyone and share a special day. My brother Dean was on the phone while we sang Happy Birthday so we all participated. Thanks to everyone for coming. I love you all!!!dana

Friday, April 3, 2009

Well I am planning a "sort of" surprise party for my mom and dad. Their birthdays areApril 7th, so they are coming to grill this Sunday afternoon. They are expecting all the kids, my brother Dale and his family. But, I have my mom's brother and wife coming, my cousins from my dad's side and their mom, 3 of my friends that are now my mom's friends and possibly my best bud from jr. high and a friend of my parents for as long as I can remember that my dad probably hasn't seen in 30 yrs. If she shows up - my mom won't believe it because she does not travel very far from home and this would be a trip. Anyways, it will be great fun to see their faces as each person shows up - who knows - everyone might show up in the driveway at the same time. Don't know where we are going to put everyone but it will be a blast. I've asked everyone to bring a picture that is a blast from the past. I have had a blast going through old photos. I went to my dad's 2 weeks ago under the cover that I need some pictures for mom's birthday because she had lost all hers years ago. So my dad has no idea the pictures are being put together for him too. I am off tomorrow and have so much to do to get ready. Thank goodness Claudia, my sister in law, is making the cake! My dad is turning 76 and my mom 75!After this weekend I need to get cracking on my art project for the Williamston Art Walk onMay 1st!!!dana

Tracey Fletcher King

Kristin Dudish

Come join the PARTY!!!

Sketchbook Challenge Book

Beautiful faces!!!!

About Me

I have two sons, that are awesome! Two step-daughters, yes, awesome also. Each one has a significant other that is super special. I have EIGHT grandkids that are the best thing in life. My best friend is my husband Mark who totally indulges all my passions, along with Sophie and Ollie our dogs! They love me unconditionally.